Is there anywhere within the port that you can park up for a few hours prior to getting early morning ferry, I will probably be arriving in Dover at 10 - 11pm at night??
yes when you arrive youll get sent to que to join your ferry.from.. I can tell from my past crossings that some vans/lorries always arrive with good time however you may find youll be put on an earlier ferry (space permited)
weather you can opt out of joining the early ferry i couldnt say but i can certainly say that ive arrived 3 hours early before and was sent straight through to park in lane and had to wait there for next slot.
im not sure if it happends both ways but when i was waiting to join ferry back into the uk the customs were checking all caravans under seats etc,one traveler was fuming because he had packed the walkways full of stuff that needed to be moved so customs could do there job
Following on from Jaysere (above) I've arrived 2 1/2hrs early and been sent out of the port,(and it's not as easy as getting in with a 7mts van on the back!!!)
It depends on many factors, not least of which is the demeanor of the Rep. who you speak to on arrival.
Smile, be gracious, grovel and be an all round toad and, if your luck's in they might let you stay!!!
------------- How come when some people visit the fountain of knowledge, they only gargle!!!
I too have been sent out for arriving too early and no it isn't too easy, nor is finding somehere to park up. Ask for the next ferry and park up on the other side??
As stated, you can't park in the port. If you are a couple of hrs early you may well get put on first available boat for no extra cost, but there might be a choice of a charge or a pass to leave the dock. None of this is the remit of the checkin operator, they have to do what their screen tells them.
As you intend to arrive night before I suggest you make alternative parking arrangements, you could park at motorway services on M20 or M2(pay or wheelclamp)some park on supermkt carparks(ie Tesco off A2 Whitfield roundabout as you approach Dover)& some along the sea front(Marine Parade)(from dock roundabout take sign M20 then first exit off to seafront)
please dont take my word then as i have only traveled 3 times from dover non of witch i have been towing a caravan but on all occations i have got there early 2-3 hours each trip but i do think its down to the ticket office.
I for one wouldnt fancy turning a caravan around in the hussle and busstle of vans cars lorries and busses shooting here there and everywhere.
Lots of parking outside the port, marine parade, union street which is a safe area and depending on time of year you may get away with parking on the forecourt in the docks There are traffic wardens but it is slightly relaxed at night. If you do get sent out from the check-in booths its quite simple and safe, Like others have said sometimes the ferry operators will put you on an earlier ferry without any charge, again depending of time of year. (yes i do work in the port by the way!!)
If you arrive VERY early and you are out of 'Business Hours' ie after 8pm there is an Industrial Estate off the M20 just before the Motorway goes through those tunnels at Folkstone.
Turn off the Motoway and head for Sainburys (its first exit off the roundabout having crossed the northbound carriageway. Turn right at the next roundabout and, on entering the complex theres loads of places you could pull up.
I preferred the Do It yourself place on the right because the car park is one big roundabout and there's no reversing, important if it's dark
------------- How come when some people visit the fountain of knowledge, they only gargle!!!
Dover is one big pain in the neck, i was early, van in tow told me to go away. i tried parking everywere,Marine Parade becareful, if you are towing the van, you can only park in certain areas, take a torch cos its not well lit, you cant read the parking meters! you can only park on one side of the road with a van on. plus you have to move on before 8,30 am. got a ticket!!!other side of the pond is brill, park where you want, as long as you like, days if you wish. or get a earlier ferry.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
Which side of Marine Parade are you allowed to park on, the water or land side? I presume its towards the marina end? I have had a look at google street view but its during the day and therefore no vans parked up!
park the right way on the road. you have to LOOK at the signs on the side of the road. as i rember you have to move early, But you will be lucky to park, I think you be better off parking out side of dover.But France you have nothing to worry about.
sorry i cant help you more.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
There is a site about 10 mins away from the port Hawthorne farm if I remember anyway it's in my review , could you not go a day early a pitch up there for one night, they have a late arrival feild too, we have stayed there it's pretty nice, most of the people there are stop overs for the ferry.It's reasonable too.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Dover late arrival
